View full sizeRandy L. Rasmussen, The OregonianNate McMillan could have better options at the end of the season than managing the Blazers' injury-ravaged roster.

The big question for the Trail Blazers today isn't about knee surgeries at all. It's not about the starting lineup, season-ticket renewals or whether or not a meniscus is ever really safe in Portland, either.

The Blazers are lost right now. The front-office is trying to fix a broken roster. The absurd cluster of injuries that have plagued the organization seemingly won't stop. And you have to wonder where it's all headed, and why McMillan would want to stick around for more.

Given the option, I'll bet you wouldn't.

McMillan, in the final year of his contract, went to the Blazers seeking an extension last summer and was shot down. Owner Paul Allen wanted to see more. And I'm thinking right about now that McMillan has probably seen enough himself.

I asked McMillan a couple of weeks ago about his contract and his future with the team. He said he preferred to address the matter at the end of the season. He called it: "A mutual decision." But on a day in which center Marcus Camby will become the fifth Blazer this season to have a knee operated on, it feels more and more like this is McMillan's call.

He has a winning record and has done a respectable job with a troubled organization, all while helping coach the national team. The issue here isn't whether the Blazers would want him back, but whether he will be offered other jobs.

Said Sacramento assistant general manager Shareef Abdur-Rahim: "Nate's record as a coach and who he is and who he was as a player, speaks for itself."

It's no secret that Lakers star guard Kobe Bryant has deep affection for McMillan. If Los Angeles coach Phil Jackson steps away, McMillan becomes one of the leading candidates. He would also be a candidate in a place such as Orlando, should the Magic not break through. Or in Miami coaching LeBron James, where the Heat just lost their fourth straight game under coach Eric Spolestra.

McMillan has done a remarkable job in posting back to back 50-win seasons. He's now saddled with another impossible task, making the best with a paper-thin roster. And while the front office has limited options, and players with guaranteed contracts have no options, McMillan feels like a big question mark.

Money might keep him around. If the Blazers were willing to swallow their pride, and overpay him they might be able to keep McMillan. Also, a dramatic roster mixup might encourage the coach to want to be a part of the future. But beyond that, it feels like the guy they call "Sarge" will be the one doing the marching in the offseason.

Remember, this is a coach who I figured might be fighting for his job this season. He was forced to replace his assistants in the offseason. He got that extension denial. And it looked a lot like he'd be pushed out as the organization evolved into a potential contender.

Then, Brandon Roy's knees wilted. And four other teammates, including Camby, have had operations on their joints. And you look at the $83 million owed to Roy, a team likely picking in the teens in a weak June draft, and it's obvious that Portland is painted into an uncomfortable corner.

It's a small, but important, leap from "Is he coming back next season?" to "Why would he come back?" And it feels more and more like McMillan may be coaching his final games with the Blazers.

Maybe he likes a good challenge. Maybe he enjoys living in this part of the country. Or maybe McMillan would jump at the idea of coaching a healthy team, which also has one of the best players in the NBA.